Biosphere reserves are areas of terrestrial and coastal ecosystems, which are internationally recognized within the framework of UNESCO’s main, and biosphere programmes. Fourteen I biosphere reserves have been set up in the country so far not only aim to protect representative ecosystems, but also serve as laboratories for evolving alternative models of development.
The biosphere reserves are the Nilgiris with 5520 sq.km, Nandadevi with 5861 sq.km. Nokrek with 820 sq.km Manas with 2837 sq.kms Sunderbans with 9630 sq.km, Gulf of Mannar with 10500 sq.km Great Nicobar with 885 sq.km Similipar with 4374 sq.km, Dibru-Saikhowa with 765 sq.km. Dehang Debang with 5112 sq.km. Pachmarhi with 4926. sq.km. Kanchanjunga with 2619.92 sq.km Agasthyamalai with 1701 sq.km and Achanakmar-Amarkantak with 3835 sq. km.